CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nuveen Investments, a leading global provider of investment services to institutions as well as individual investors, today announced the introduction of two new mutual funds managed by its dividend-focused growth equities manager, Santa Barbara Asset Management. The Nuveen Santa Barbara Global Dividend Growth Fund (NUGAX) and Nuveen Santa Barbara International Dividend Growth Fund (NUIAX) are managed by Santa Barbara Chief Investment Officer, James Boothe.

Drawing upon the investment process behind its flagship Nuveen Santa Barbara's Dividend Growth Fund (NSBAX), the two new funds seek out companies across the world that pay quality dividends and have the ability to grow and maintain their dividend on a long-term basis, thus offering investors a compelling core portfolio holding. The funds are available through advisors at leading broker-dealers, banks, insurance companies, financial planning and investment consulting firms.

The Nuveen Santa Barbara Global Dividend Growth Fund focuses on global equity securities of companies that have potential for dividend income and dividend growth in an effort to provide an attractive total return comprised of dividends and long-term capital appreciation. The Nuveen Santa Barbara International Dividend Growth Fund focuses on international equities that offer current dividend income and have the potential for future dividend growth in an effort to provide an attractive total return comprised of both dividends and long-term capital appreciation.

Fund Risks to Consider

Funds are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not bank guaranteed. Mutual fund investing involves risk and loss of principal is possible. Dividend-paying stocks, such as those held by these funds, are subject to market risk, concentration or sector risk, preferred security risk, and equity security risk. Additionally, small or mid-cap stocks are subject to greater volatility. Foreign investments introduce additional risks including currency fluctuations, political and economic instability, and lack of liquidity. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

An investor should carefully consider the Fund's objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For a prospectus containing this and other information about the Fund, please contact your financial advisor or Nuveen Investments at 800.257.8787. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

About Santa Barbara Asset Management

Founded in 1987, Santa Barbara Asset Management believes that financially sound companies exhibiting consistent earnings growth provide the most compelling investment opportunities over time. Across a range of dividend-focused growth strategies, the firm's investment team focuses on timeless business fundamentals rather than on transient macroeconomic conditions. Santa Barbara's bottom-up, research-driven investment process seeks to build diversified portfolios of companies with consistent, above-average earnings growth potential, financial strength, and reasonable valuations. As of December 31, 2012, Santa Barbara managed $5.2 billion on behalf of retail and institutional investors. For more information about the firm visit http://www.nuveen.com/SBAM/Default.aspx.